Last Updated on September 20, 2026 by Lisa Keys
Imagine biting through the tender crust of a well seasoned muffin into a warm, gooey pocket of melted mozzarella. It's the classic stuffed-crust pizza moment, but in a homemade muffin. Pizza muffins stuffed with mozzarella pearls are perfect for any snack, appetizer or game day spread. Let's share.
So, what makes these sharable cheese-pulling pizza muffins so good? It's the Don Pepino Pizza Sauce. I am one of 30 bloggers creating innovative recipes using this flavorful "Jersey Fresh" sauce. And as an Italian girl who grew up in NJ I know quite a bit on the subject of the best Jersey tomatoes, pizza and beyond.
This is my entry in the Appetizers & Shareables category turning pizza flavors into a warm and comforting quick bread.
How to Make Pizza Muffins
- Start by whisking your dry ingredients: flour, Italian seasoning, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Next, mix ¾ cup of Don Pepino Pizza Sauce with basil leaves, brown sugar, butter, oil and eggs in a food processor and pulse to chop the basil and combine.
- Then, pour the wet ingredients into the dry and blend until the dry ingredients are moistened.
- Next, divide the batter among 12 greased muffin cups and pop to mozzarella balls into the center of each.
- Finally, bake at 350F. for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with parmesan and serve warm with remaining pizza sauce for dipping or spooning over the top.
Why this Sauce Works so Well in Baking
- The sauce has an old school flavor with no added sugar or preservatives.
- The sauce is thick with crushed NJ tomatoes that clings beautifully to the muffin batter.
- It's perfect for dipping straight out of the can because it is so flavorful.
Pizza Muffins with Mozzarella Pearls
Equipment
- 1 medium size muffin tin
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups (165 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 can Don Pepino pizza sauce (14.5 oz.)
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- ⅓ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) light olive oil
- 2 eggs
- 24 mozzarella pearls patted dry
- 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350F. Lightly spray 8 mini bundt pans with no-stick baking spray.
- In bowl, whisk flour, Italian seasoning, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.
- In food processor, combine ¾ cup pizza sauce, basil, brown sugar, butter, olive oil and eggs; process until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix just until dry ingredients are moistened.
- Divide batter into prepared muffin cups.
- Place two mozzarella pearls in center of each muffin; gently press in.
- Bake 15 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Immediately sprinkle muffin tops with parmesan cheese.
- Cool in pan for 5 to 10 minutes before lifting out and serving while still warm.
- Warm remaining pizza sauce and serve with muffins.
Notes
Nutrition
I think this pizza sauce will be a great substitute for San Marzano tomatoes in my sausage and peppers recipe as well as a topping on my Neapolitan pizza dough. Do check out the Don Pepino web site and social media channels for more delicious ideas.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/DonPepinoSauce/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/realdonpepino
Website: www.violetfoods.com
#TheSauceBehindTheSlice
#MadeWithDonPepino
#DonPepinosRecipeChallenge
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